By Adrian Wojnarowski
Sunday, Apr 22, 2007 11:49 pm EDT
There is an unorthodox but intriguing scenario under consideration within the Sacramento Kings' front office about replacing head coach Eric Musselman.
Here's the idea, according to a Western Conference official: Hire two-time Sacramento Monarchs WNBA championship coach John Whisenant, now the team's general manager, and bring along ex-Kings star and New Mexico State coach Reggie Theus as his top assistant and eventual successor.
Whisenant, considered a top defensive mind, had been under serious consideration a year ago before Musselman was hired. He's well-regarded by Petrie, and the owners, Joe and Gavin Maloof, who have known Whisenant since his days as an assistant coach at the owners' alma mater, the University of New Mexico.
Most of all, the hiring of Whisenant would be a way to groom Theus, the 13-year NBA veteran who has developed into a hot coaching commodity. After leaving Rick Pitino's staff at Louisville, Theus led New Mexico State to the NCAA tournament this season, his second as the Aggies' head coach.
New Mexico State went 25-9 and gave Texas a tough game in the opening round of the NCAAs. Theus played parts of five seasons for the Kings in the 1980s and spent one year as a broadcaster for the franchise after his retirement.
Another name that has been prominently mentioned with the Kings job, a league source said, is San Antonio Spurs assistant P.J. Carlesimo.
Whisenant actually got USBL players to play D when he was coaching at that level a few years back. He'd probably do a decent job. I could see Reggie Theus doing a good job at the NBA level too. I don't know if he'd be willing to be an assistant right now though.
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